Last month brought the tragic passing of renowned drummer Raja Azreen Raja Talib. Originating from Malaysia, Raja Azreen sadly collapsed on stage during a live performance with his band Meditasi. The group was entertaining fans at the Teruntum Rock Festival in Kuantan when, midway through their set, frontman Bakaruddin Daud (known to many as Burn) noticed the 56-year-old artist slumping over his drums. Medical resources confirm that Talib was subsequently declared deceased, as reported by several trusted Malaysian news sources such as Berita Harian and the New Straits Times.
In a poignant recount, Burn described how he hurried to his bandmate’s side, but felt a sinking fear that Raja Azreen might have already passed away.
“I called his name, trying to rouse him, but there was no answer. His skin was chilling to the touch,” Burn recounted solemnly. As the gravity of the situation unfolded, emergency responders were promptly called, and Talib was transported to a nearby hospital.
According to his brother Azman, shared in Berita Harian, Raja Azreen was officially pronounced dead just before 11 PM local time. The cause was attributed to complications stemming from heart issues.
Azman also noted that his brother had been previously admitted to the hospital in June, battling heart-related health concerns then as well.
Azman said: “He was hospitalised twice; the first stay lasted two to three weeks before he was admitted again.
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“It is possible that extreme fatigue took a toll [on his heart].”
He added that Raja “went straight” from a BMX competition to performing at the music festival.
Burn said that he was “deeply affected” by Talib’s death, as they had known each other for decades.
He later revealed that the late drummer had recently been diagnosed with diabetes but admitted he showed no signs of illness before taking to the stage.
Meditasi, which means Meditation in Malay, was active in the 1980s and 1990s and disbanded before reuniting in 2015.
The band has more than 46,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.